Windows CE 5.0 introduces the concept of multiple input languages. You can use multiple input languages on a run-time image with that contains only a single user interface language or on a multilingual user interface (MUI) run-time image. For more information, see.

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The multiple input language support in Windows CE enables the following scenarios:. Multiple keyboard layouts and Input Method Editors (IMEs) can be installed on a device. By default, the number of preloaded keyboards is set to one, but OEMs can define up to 15 preloaded keyboards and install more than 15 keyboard layouts. Only one IME preload can be configured on a device, with the exception of Simplified Chinese Pocket IME and Traditional Chinese Pocket IME, both of which include two IME preloads by default. Support for dynamic switching of the keyboard layout. The default key combination for switching the keyboard layout is ALT+SHIFT. Windows CE also supports CTRL+SHIFT (left) for the Arabic and Hebrew locales, and CTRL+SHIFT (right) for all other locales to allow users to dynamically change the input direction.

The language that I want to support is not listed in the project properties, locale, language packs to build. So the question is, how do I add this into the OS image?

OEMs can customize the key sequencing for toggle or switching between specific keyboard layouts can be customized. The default preload is displayed in the language indicator on the device taskbar.

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Users can click the indicator to launch a shortcut menu that lists all available preloads. They can change the current preload by selecting another layout from this list. OEMs and users can set and change the system default keyboard layout for a device. For example, if a device originally boots with an Arabic keyboard layout but the device owner mainly uses an English keyboard, the user can set the default keyboard layout to English and dynamically switch to Arabic on an as-needed basis. Changing the default keyboard layout at device run-time requires a soft reset. Any changes in the selection or deselection of an IME as default or preload require a soft reset. Users can select and clear input languages for a device to determine which keyboard layouts are preloaded and listed for toggling.

To configure the OS design of a device to support multiple input languages. In Platform Builder, add the appropriate Catalog item for the additional keyboard to your OS design. For more information, see.

HKEYCURRENTUSER Keyboard Layout Preload 1 For more information on platform.reg, see. Additional Considerations for Multiple Input Language You can change the default input language for a target device so that it does not match the system locale. You can also localize an OS to a language for which there is no localization structure. To accomplish these tasks, complete the following steps:. In the%WINCEROOT% PUBLIC COMMON OAK FILES INTLTRNS directory, navigate to the folder for your default system locale, and open the common.str file.

For example, if English (U.S.) is your default system locale, navigate to the 0409 folder. Using a text editor, open common.str. Add the following string at the bottom of the file.

The language that I want to support is not listed in the project properties, locale, language packs to build. So the question is, how do I add this into the OS image? I've added other localization features in through the catalogue, but when I try and use the Thai Culture, I get PlatformNotSupportedException. E numSystemLocales returns the LCID 41e is both installed and supported. Googling around points to the OEM having to add the language support in, and in this case I am the OEM. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks JohnDr.

You did a clean Sysgen after changing the regions? You included complex script support? If so, you might want to post the segment of the build log where the error is reported.

If you've done everything correctly and MS doesn't have a Thai-specific bug, it sounds like your question becomes 'how do I localize the OS for a region not supported out-of-the-box by Microsoft?' I've never used Thai but it wouldn't surprise me too much if there were no localized OS resources for it. This page describes adding a new localization to your OS: Paul T.